A few weeks ago me and my DH began planning our summer trip to Vegas. In my typical financially-conscious style, I started by developing a budget. After subtracting airfare and lodging, we only have $2,000 left for the other stuff. (Well actually, $1,989.23 but I’ll just make it $2,000 for simplicity.)

Then my DH asked me… how can we have a good time in Vegas with just $2,000?

Well that’s when I ripped off my blouse to reveal my tight blue spandex shirt… the one with the giant red “FW” that’s overlayed on a yellow background encrusted in a hollowed diamond. You know… FW?!? Frugal Warrior!!! Duh?

I told him… don’t underestimate the skills of me… his DW… the Frugal Warrior (AKA El Cheapo.) I will figure out how we can stay 5 days in Las Vegas living the high roller life with only $2,000.

So in order for us to experience the best Vegas has to offer (keeping in mind our FW budget) I set out on a mission to hunt down the cheapest deals, deepest discounts, most affordable rates, best coupons… and of course all the —- drum roll —- FREE! attractions in Vegas.

Alright PFA’ers… its time to watch this FW in action! Here’s my mission: $400 a day in Vegas for 2 people to eat three squares a day, catch some shows, roll a couple of dice here and there, pull on a few slot handles… and a special treat just for me… a romantic helicopter tour over the moonlit Las Vegas skyline.

And this is what I came up with:

Check in with the exotic birds and fish at the Flamingo Hilton Wildlife Habitat. Navigating through this 15 acre park is sure to be an exciting adventure. (FREE)

Mosey on over the Sagebrush Ranch for some horseback riding with our 40% off discount tickets ($60 each)

Cap an evening off on Freemont Street and experience the best free party in town

Catch a couple of shows using the 2 for the price of 1 coupons from the Las Vegas Perks book. The book costs $49.95 but I got 20% off when I used this code. I think we’ll do the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater at Planet Hollywood ($35) and Jubilee! At Bally’s ($50)

Hang out with the folks at Coyote Ugly for only $8 each with coupons I found here.

Yesssss!!! Mission accomplished! Vegas for $2000 with change to spare!

Oh, yeah and while I having a grand ole’ time in Nevada, I will remember to pronounce it correctly.

Ne-va-da and not Ne-vad-da. I saw how Ne-va-dans get when us out-of-towners say it the wrong way. I gotta make it back home to my babies… so if any of my native Nevadan PFA friends hear me screwing it up, please forgive me… I know not what I do.

This is something I’mma have to practice…

Ne-va-da, Ne-va-da, Ne-va-da, Ne-vad-da, CRAP!… I gotta get this straight.

But anyway… there you have it, 5 days, 2 people, in Vegas, fed and entertained… for only 2000 bucks.

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The Traveler

March 5th, 2009 at 11:33 pm

I live in Las Vegas and frequently visit the casino nightclubs. When I first moved here, I used to pay $60-$80 for me and my date to get into the clubs every weekend. Don’t make the same mistake that I did. Go to a site like http://www.lasvegasnightclubdeals.com/ and get discount VIP passes for only $10 each. The VIP passes allow you to get to the front of the line and covers admission to the club.